Verify facts before publishing news: SP Vikrant Patil

Chittoor: District SP Vikrant Patil asked print and electronic media personnel to verify facts before publishing or telecasting news picked up from the social media.

Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, the SP warned of taking action under the Information Technology Act if print media found publishing news based on social media messages. He stated some anti-social elements are spreading fake and false messages through social media, leading to unrest in the society. 

A special wing in the Police department is monitoring information being posted on social media, the SP said and made a fervent appeal to the media to get clarification from the Police department before publishing sensitive news.

In view of the approaching general elections, false and fake information would influence the voters for which the Police department would take action, he stated and assured of not imposing restrictions on freedom of the press. Additional SP E Supraja and other police officials were present.